Memorial Day

Please click the play button above:)

For our Memorial Day we went over to Michelle and Paul's to visit with Tyler and enjoy their pool and some fun. The kids had a blast getting in and out of their pool and we enjoyed the nice 80 degree temp of the water since it was about 88 outside!!

A day on the River

My good friend Michelle and her husband own a couple of jet skies and we were lucky to be able to take them out the day after we got here. It was hit or miss because of the storms but we were able to enjoy them a little. The kids had a blast playing in the water and enjoying Michelle, Paul and her mother, Jeri. It was a great start to the Memorial day weekend.

Fun in the Sun

Our first full day at Fort Benning was spent getting the keys to our new home and enjoying my Georgia Michelle. After meeting for lunch and meeting her husband Paul, they invited us over for dinner and for a swim. The kids enjoyed the attention and Matt and I enjoyed the company:)

Story time and cookies

On our last day and Fort Drum the kids and I started to get a little bored so we ventured to the library to read some books. It just happened to be story time!! Emma enjoyed listening to a interactive story and then the lady brought out cookies and frosting for the kids to decorate. Logan loves this and I am thankful it ate up 90 minutes of our morning!!

Time flies

Almost 4 years ago Emma and I were at a YMCA Mom and TOT swim class when we met little Dani and Jessie. These 2 little girls stayed in our lives and we enjoyed birthday parties and many meals out. I am very thankful for the friendship I started with their Mom, Jen. It is hard to believe the time has flown by so quickly. The picture below was the girls when they were 2 years old at Halloween.

Fun with friends

Our time at Fort Drum was extended by a few days and we were able to spend some extra time with the Horrigans as well as some of Matt's work buddies. On that Saturday evening the guys were so sweet and brought over steaks and sides for us as well as the Horrigans. While the men chatted and Katie and I enjoyed some laughs the children played and played in the dirt before cuddling up for a movie. It was a wonderful end to our Fort Drum family!!

More pics of Change of Command

Matt had quite the dispay of Army vehicles on hand. One of the vehicles the driver allowed Logan to hop into and pull the horn, Logan was a little scared and quickly moved into Daddy's Arms.

One of the Army traditions is to present the outgoing Commanders wife with a dozen red roses. Of course, Emma was pretty sure those were for her and quickly took them:)

Change of Command

After 2 1/2 years of company commands Matt finally change out and ended the company grade time. It was a beautiful ceremony and a gorgeous sunny day. The kids were there with me and enjoyed seeing Daddy and all the Soldiers in formation. Matt wrote a very nice and inspirational speech that included a few notes about me:)


The first picture is of Matt receiving his PCS award.

1st night in the cabin

Today we cleared the apartment and moved into the 1st cottage. This cottage was amazing, it was a 2 bedroom fully furnished with a kitchen and laundry room. Since Matt had to work a little the kids and I threw in some fish sticks and Tatar tots and had a little picnic outside. The cabins are right next to the woods and so quite and peaceful, except for the children who insisted there was a bear under the table that was eating my leg!!!

Girl Scouts goodbye to Emma

Today Emma's fellow girl scouts said good bye to their Daisy friend. Emma has had so much fun playing with these girls. She was presented with her "pedals" and was given home made miss you cards as well as a T-shirt all the girls had signed. They then has pizza and cupcakes for another little girls's birthday, she had a great afternoon.

HHC 3BSTB Gift to Matt

One of the many wonderful traditions in the Army continues on. This afternoon was I called and asked to bring the kids and surprise Matt during the ceremony for his gift from his Soldiers. I was so excited to be there as he started to reflect on the 12 months he has spent with these Men and Women. Matt was presented with the Company Colors and then they had cake and punch for all the Soldiers in the Classroom. It is moments like these that remind me what being a part of the U.S. Army is really all about!!!

Mother's Day Weekend

I had a GREAT Mother's Day Weekend. Not only was Saturday super relaxing and fun but so was today. Matt had told me last night that he would get up right away with the kids so I could sleep in a little. It was nice to lay in bed and hear the kids laughing and having a little fun. (Logan kept yelling it is Mommy's Birthday) Matt brought the kids and 2 gift bags in a little while later. They both made me homemade cards and Emma had made me a coffee mug at girl scouts. Logan got me candles, a magazine, and bath stuff. And Matt brought in a new foot bath and bottle of Mascato D' Asti. (my new favorite white sweet wine). After breakfast in bed and church we had a nice easy afternoon before Matt barbecued steak and shrimp and steaks.

Mother's Day Tea

Emma and I went to a Mother's Day Tea today, we had so much fun. We got all dressed up and put on our scarves. (that was the theme). They served up tea, little sandwiches, strawberries, and yummy cake. And we played games and laughed. Emma is ran into her best friend Shannon. It was a very special fun afternoon for me.

Cinco De Mayo

Our good friends, The Horrigans, hosting a impromptu Cinco De Mayo Feast. So, as I was thinking about what to wear I remembered that Emma had a adorable Mexican dress my mom had brought back from a cruise about 3 years ago, and it still fit her. Emma had so much fun running around in this. I went to a few dollar stores in hopes of finding Sombrero's and all I could find was these lovely lady sun hats, well Logan thought they were the coolest things and wore it the entire time:)

At home pedicure

Emma and I had a lot of fun this afternoon. We originally headed out for mother/daughter pedicures but time did not allow. So we headed to Walmart where she picked out new nail polish and nail stickers. She thought it was so funny to have me wash her feet (like Jesus she said). I even put smelly lotion of her feet and legs before I painted her toe nails and fingernails a clear polish with purple and silver glitter. Oh, the fun:)

Rare amounts of Fun in the Sun

We have had odd weather lately here in the North Country. It was so nice today that the kids enjoyed playing with the hose, the swimming pool, chalk, and bikes. Logan did not even wait for his swim trunks originally he just belly flopped right into the 2 inches of water. He is going to have so much fun in Georgia!!

Saturday Night Dinner Out

Going out to eat for us is a real treat these days. Logan is starting to behave better in restaurants but because we don't go very often he often goes stir crazy. So, we have gotten creative with the kids. Matt brings his ipod with fun games for Emma and pulls up YouTube with his Cell Phone so logan can watch Fireman Sam:) And we get to enjoy a few more minutes of conversation.